Climate change is the ideal time for viruses and bacteria to thrive. Perhaps that is why we experience discomfort under the weather and experience changes in temperature.
The symptoms of COVID-19 and the symptoms of a cold can be similar to each other as both are respiratory diseases. But both can be different depending on the severity. Each new COVID version has managed to surprise us with its unique capabilities. While Delta was efficient at directly affecting the lungs causing severe symptoms, Omicron was more mild and led to symptoms involving the upper respiratory tract.
When it comes to differentiating between COVID and a cold, apart from the severity, we can also keep an eye on the incubation period. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said that the incubation time for COVID-19 ranges from 1-14 days, which is usually around 5 days. For Omicron, experts say that it is shorter i.e. 3 days. However, for the common cold, it is usually between 1 and 3 days.
Additionally, a COVID-induced scratchy throat may be accompanied by other prominent symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, gastrointestinal symptoms and loss of smell and taste, which are uncommon with a common cold, according to PubMed Central. The researchers explained. Symptoms of a cold may appear gradually, with a sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose.